by Stephanie
Marshall
Staff Writer
Comparable to the “Matrix,” “Six Characters in
Search of an Author” will leave audience members questioning
their own reality starting tomorrow through Saturday in the Valborg
Theatre.
Presented by the department of theatre and dance, “Six Characters
in Search of an Author” was written by Luigi Pirandello and
directed by Program Director and Assistant Professor of Theater
and Dance Joel W. Williams.
Williams said written in 1929 and considered one of the first plays
to take a fantastic look at the world, “Six Characters in
Search of An Author” was the forerunner of the absurdist movement.
“The questions Pirandello ask deal with the idea of what does
it mean to be a person. We think of ourselves as always being the
same person, but from Pirandello’s point of view people are
always changing,” Williams said.
“Pirandello deals with the notion of constant change and since
he is a playwright he focuses that discussion against the frame
work of what it means to be a dramatic character and argues the
idea that a character is more real and truthful than a human being,”
Williams said.
Williams said Pirandello stages this idea into a play about a play
rehearsal interrupted by the arrival of six characters, who claim
not to be humans. They are searching for a playwright to finish
their story so they can be brought into existence.
“This piece is really funny to me because it deals with the
limitations within theater,” senior theatre major Rebecca
L. Coffey said.
“This play was the first play I ever read just for enjoyment,
not something that was required for a class, and I have always wanted
to be part of the production of it,” senior interdisciplinary
studies and theatre major Jonathan D. Greene said.
“As I told the cast last night, there are still some bumpy
rough spots, but we are going to be ready for next Wednesday. The
truth of the matter is with this kind of ‘supernatural’
show without the technical elements it’s hard to act eerie,”
Williams said.
“Joel is a very unique director. He leaves a lot of decision
to the actors, and he works with you individually to help you better
understand your character. I’m really glad I got to work with
him before I graduated,” senior theater education major Aliza
J. Mendelewicz said.
“For young people who are trying figure out their purpose
in life and what they want to do for the rest of their lives, I
think this play speaks to them. The play is not going to answer
any of their questions for them, but I hope it helps them frame
the questions,” Williams said.
“Plays are mirrors that allow us to look and gage ourselves
as people and say is my character better than that character,”
Williams said.
The show starts at 8 p.m. every night with an extra show Sunday
at 2 p.m. Tickets are $6 for students and $10 for general public.
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